Welcome to JMU

The James Madison University
freshman class filed into the Convocation Center Wednesday afternoon for the
University Welcome, the official kick-off of 1787 August Orientation. The 4,302 first-year students were led by
their Freshman Orientation Guides carrying signs designating their FROG groups:
"Weaver Fever," "Spotswood Sweethearts," "Planet
Poto." The students
chanted, did the wave and filled the Convo with cheers when Tisha McCoy-Ntiamoah, director of orientation,
welcomed them saying, "You are finally and officially a college
student."

McCoy-Ntiamoah continued,
saying, "1787 is all about introducing you to the Madison culture which
includes high expectations for your academic success and your responsibility of
being a respectful member of the campus and Harrisonburg community."

Designed to simulate the college experience with academic
meetings, programs and social events, 1787 August Orientation is named after the
year when James Madison and other state delegates were meeting and writing the
new U. S. constitution. Mina Imbs,
student coordinator for 1787, told the students, "That period of time was
a positive turning point in the history of the United States. We believe your 1787 experience will be
a turning point in your life and history at James Madison University."

Advice to the Class of 2016 ranged from picking up trash on
campus, holding the door open for others and "don't lose your Mappy!"
the fold-out guide issued to first-year students, to more important life
lessons. Dr. Mark Warner, senior vice
president for student affairs and university planning, asked the students to
take care of themselves and others. "If we take care
of ourselves and we take care of others we create a much richer
community," said Warner. "This
is our community and we are responsible for each other."

Students were also encouraged to make their imprint on
JMU. "It's time for the Class
of 2016 to make a name for themselves," said Warner.

First-year roommates Hanna Haydock of Guilford, Conn., and
Morgan Doss of Oakton, Va., were impressed by the energy and excitement of the
University Welcome. "It got
me really excited," said Haydock.
"It's inspiring how much everybody loves this school." Doss agreed, "It's cool to see how
everyone comes together as a community and makes you feel so welcome."